[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 73 (Tuesday, April 18, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18223-18224]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-07765]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2017-0225]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Curtis Creek, Baltimore, MD

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from drawbridge regulation; 
modification.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has modified a temporary deviation from the 
operating schedule that governs the I695 Bridge, at mile 1.0, across 
Curtis Creek, Baltimore, MD. This modified deviation is necessary to 
remove, repair and replace the inner and outer loop locking bar and 
couplings. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-
navigation position.

DATES: This modified deviation is effective without actual notice from 
April 18, 2017 through 7 p.m. on May 5, 2017. For the purposes of 
enforcement, actual notice will be used from 6:00 a.m. on April 10, 
2017, until April 18, 2017.

ADDRESSES: The docket for this deviation, [USCG-2017-0225] is available 
at http://www.regulations.gov. Type the docket number in the ``SEARCH'' 
box and click ``SEARCH''. Click on Open Docket Folder on the line 
associated with this deviation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this 
temporary deviation, call or email Mr. Martin Bridges, Bridge 
Administration Branch Fifth District, Coast Guard, telephone 757-398-
6422, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On March 27, 2017, the Coast Guard published 
a temporary deviation entitled ``Drawbridge Operation Regulation: 
Curtis Creek, Baltimore, MD'' in the

[[Page 18224]]

Federal Register (82 FR 15137). Under that temporary deviation, the 
bridge will remain in the closed-to-navigation position from 6 a.m. on 
April 10, 2017, through 7 p.m. on April 15, 2017. The Maryland 
Transportation Authority, who owns and operates the I695 Bridge across 
Curtis Creek, mile 1.0, at Baltimore, MD, has requested a modified 
temporary deviation from the current operating regulation set out in 33 
CFR 117.557, to remove, repair, and replace the inner and outer loop 
locking bar and couplings. This modified temporary deviation serves to 
replace the previous temporary deviation in the Federal Register (82 FR 
15137), immediately upon its publication into the Federal Register.
    Under this modified temporary deviation, the bridge will remain in 
the closed-to-navigation position from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., from April 10, 
2017, through April 17, 2017, and from May 1, 2017, through May 5, 
2017. The bridge will open on signal if at least 24 hours notice is 
given from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., from April 10, 2017, through April 17, 
2017, and from May 1, 2017, through May 5, 2017. At all other times the 
bridge will operate per 33 CFR 117.557. The drawbridge has two spans, 
each with double-leaf bascule draws, and both spans have a vertical 
clearance in the closed-to-navigation position of 58 feet above mean 
high water.
    Curtis Creek is used by military vessels, recreational vessels, tug 
and barge traffic, fishing vessels, and small commercial vessels. The 
Coast Guard has carefully considered the nature and volume of vessel 
traffic on the waterway in publishing this temporary deviation.
    Vessels able to pass through the bridge in the closed position may 
do so at any time. The bridge spans will not be able to open in case of 
an emergency and there is no immediate alternate route for vessels to 
pass. The Coast Guard will also inform the users of the waterway 
through our Local Notice and Broadcast Notices to Mariners of the 
change in operating schedule for the bridge so that vessel operators 
can arrange their transits to minimize any impact caused by the 
temporary deviation.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge must return to 
its regular operating schedule immediately at the end of the effective 
period of this temporary deviation. This deviation from the operating 
regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: April 12, 2017.
Hal R. Pitts,
Bridge Program Manager, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2017-07765 Filed 4-17-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P